Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-27

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The diagram below shows how one type of desert, known as a rain-shadow desert, is formed.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The formation of rain-shadow deserts

Student answer (Band 5.5)

The illustrates how one side of desert is formed..

Overall, firstly wind pushes from the sea and moist air rises towards mountain then moist air rises and cool before reaching on height of the mountain. It form clouds and rain starts. As a result, after rain dry air continue reaching downside from over the mountain.

Firstly wind rises over the sea and reach over the coast then moist air rises and get cool when reaching towards the mountain. As a result when it reaches on the mountain finally the rain starts. So rain starts from the one side of mountain.

On the other side when the rain ends and dry air starts coming down from over the mountain. Consequently, dry air reach on inland area and As a result, it reach on the inland and start forming rain shadow desert. After rain air become dry and ready to form dry rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You cover the main sequence: winds arrive from the sea, rise over the mountains, cool, produce clouds and rain, and then continue as dry air towards the inland desert. This gives the reader a generally accurate account of how the rain shadow forms. However, some stages are unclear or repeated: the opening overview says moist air rises twice, while the later description repeats that rain begins on one side. The diagram’s key contrast between the wet windward side and dry leeward side could be stated more precisely, and the long-distance movement inland is not clearly explained. To strengthen the response, give a concise overview of this contrast, then describe each stage once in sequence.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

There is some organisation: an opening overview is followed by two paragraphs describing the process, and words such as “Firstly,” “As a result” and “Consequently” signal sequence or outcome. However, progression is weakened by repetition and unclear links. For example, the account of rising and cooling air appears in both the overview and the next paragraph, and the final sentences repeat that dry air reaches inland and forms the desert. Some connectors are also used mechanically or do not express a clear relationship, particularly the repeated “As a result.” Organise the stages in one continuous sequence, use paragraphing to separate the overview from the details, and choose a small range of precise linking expressions.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

Your vocabulary includes relevant process terms such as “moist air,” “clouds,” “rain,” “inland” and “rain-shadow desert,” so the topic is usually identifiable. However, the range is limited and several phrases are imprecise or awkward, including “wind pushes from the sea,” “reaching downside” and “dry rain-shadow desert.” Repetition of “rain starts,” “air” and “mountain” also limits flexibility. Aim to use accurate process vocabulary and natural collocations, such as describing winds as approaching the coast, air as descending on the leeward side, and precipitation as falling on the windward slope. This would make the stages clearer and reduce reliance on repeated basic wording.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and longer sentences, including clauses beginning with “when” and “after,” but control is inconsistent. Examples include “The illustrates” (missing subject), “It form clouds” (subject–verb agreement), and “dry air continue reaching” (verb form). Articles and prepositions are also often inaccurate, as in “towards mountain” and “on inland area.” Some sentences combine several stages without clear grammatical boundaries, making the sequence harder to follow. Practise forming complete sentences with a clear subject and verb, and check agreement, articles and verb forms when describing each stage. More accurate control of these patterns, alongside a few well-managed complex sentences, would improve clarity.

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